Abstract
A sensor is any device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into
a signal which can be read by a human observer or by an instrument. The
highest growth and demand is currently stemming from the automotive market,
while process control industries are following closely behind. Numerous
sensors are now making their way into telecommunications products consumer
electronics as well, making them key growth catalysts for the next several
years. Sensors based on MEMS technologies and smart sensors are currently the
focus of current sensor development in these high growth fields. Databeans
classifies the sensors market into three categories of products including
temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and magnetic field sensors.
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems or "MEMS" are devices produced on a nano
scale. MEMS devices include a grouping of several product types on the market
including: Accelerometers, Microfluidic, Optical MEMS, and Other MEMS and
Actuators (such as MEMS Resonators, Bio-MEMS, and Microphones). Major MEMS
suppliers include familiar names such as Texas Instruments, HP, Canon, Robert
Bosch, and others. Currently, major MEMS application segments are Inkjet
printers, which use piezoelectrics or thermal bubble ejection to deposit ink
on paper, followed by optical communications components, consumer
applications, and some automotive applications, including gyroscopes for
stability control and accelerometers for airbag deployment in the case of
collision.
Today, the market for MEMS is growing exponentially into new consumer
applications, including devices for the Nintendo Wii and Apple iPhone, along
with DLP televisions and microphones used in laptops, digital cameras, and
mobile phones. While MEMS manufacturing continues to be dominated by used
semiconductor equipment, there is a migration to new 200mm lines and select
new tools, including etch and bonding for certain MEMS applications.
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